Iowa Supreme Court rules Democrat Abby Finkenauer can remain on ballot

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled on Sunday that Democrat Abby Finkenauer can remain on the ballot this November to run against incumbent Senator Chuck Grassley.

The ruling was issued this weekend after Finkenauer was removed from the primary ballot in a decision by the district court. Polk County District Judge Scott Beattie has previously removed her from the ballot over the lack of valid signatures on her candidate paperwork.

Republicans claimed Finkenauer filed paperwork to run for office that contained unclear dates on signatures obtained in two counties. Finkenauer’s campaign appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court, which ruled quickly. “We reverse the judgment of the district court and direct that the petition be dismissed,” the ruling said.

Finkenauer, a former congresswoman and state lawmaker, will appear on the primary ballot on June 7 after the Supreme Court ruling. Finkenauer’s campaign responded to the ruling by saying Republicans only fought her candidacy because they are threatened by her opposition to Grassley, who has served in the Senate since 1981. 

“Today is a good day for Iowa and democracy,” the former congresswoman said. “The reality is with this unanimous decision by the Iowa Supreme Court affirming that we met the requirements to be on the ballot for United States Senate that this is something, again, that is important not just for Democrats but for Republicans and independents and anybody who cares about the direction of our state and our country.”